World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

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Today, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action for mental health across the globe. This year, we turn our focus to a place that many of us know well, the workplace. For so many, work is where we spend the bulk of our time, yet it’s often where mental health is most easily overlooked. The pressures of deadlines, expectations, and daily demands can make it hard to pause and check in on our well-being.

Mental health challenges are especially significant among working Canadians. Did you know that every week, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada? These numbers highlight just how critical it is to address mental health in the workplace.

At CMHA Calgary, we recognize that balance looks different for everyone, and achieving it is key to maintaining mental well-being. Life’s demands can be overwhelming, and finding that balance between work, personal life, and self-care is not always easy. Each of us has unique needs, and it’s important to recognize those differences without judgment.

Here are four tips on how to promote mental health in the workplace:

  1. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for employees to share their feelings and experiences. Regular check-ins can help normalize discussions around mental health and ensure everyone feels heard.
  2. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Support flexible work arrangements and encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation time. This helps individuals recharge and reduces the risk of burnout.
  3. Provide Accessible Resources: Ensure mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs and counselling services, are easy to find. Make it clear that seeking help is a normal and supported action.
  4. Foster Supportive Relationships: Promote team-building activities that encourage connection among colleagues. Strong relationships can create a sense of safety and community!

No one should feel ashamed for needing support. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is a personal journey, with no one-size-fits-all approach.

At CMHA Calgary, we are committed to encouraging open, stigma-free conversations about mental health. We aim to create spaces where individuals feel empowered to seek the care they need and are supported throughout their journey.

Through our services, community partnerships, and ongoing efforts to create safe, stigma-free conversations, CMHA Calgary is here to walk alongside you on your mental health journey. We understand that taking the first step to seek support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

CMHA Calgary offers a range of in-person and virtual mental health education workshops and training programs for adult groups in workplaces and community organizations. These programs equip participants with valuable knowledge and awareness as they work towards achieving balance in their lives.

Workshop topics include:

  1. Stress Management and Healthy Coping: This session equips participants with strategies to manage stress and achieve balance at work, home, and in life. It explains the stress response and its effects on both body and mind.
  2. Mental Health Awareness: Focused on breaking down misconceptions about mental illness, this workshop promotes a preventative approach to mental health and wellness, reminding us that everyone has mental health.
  3. Suicide Prevention: Through compassionate discussion, this workshop addresses myths about suicide, outlines warning signs and protective factors, and connects participants to professional resources.

If you’re interested in any of these topics, please feel free to contact us at education@cmha.calgary.ab.ca to learn more or to book a session.

Whether you’re looking to join a Recovery College class, connect with a peer, or explore our workplace education sessions, CMHA Calgary offers services that recognize and respect your unique experiences. Your mental health matters and reaching out is a courageous step toward healing.